BSc Hons Physics with Astrophysics

When you join the BSc (Hons) Physics with Astronomy at the University of Nottingham, you’ll be immersed in hands-on, practical learning from your very first year. This program is designed to give you a deep understanding of both core physics and modern astronomy, with a strong emphasis on real-world skills, research experience, and access to outstanding facilities.

You’ll benefit from:

• Laboratory work starting in your first year: Using well-equipped undergraduate labs with advanced instruments—including an undergraduate NMR machine, which is rarely available to undergraduates elsewhere.

• Access to rooftop optical, solar, and radio telescopes: Located on the physics building for direct observational astronomy, data collection, and research projects.

• Opportunities to work on major data projects: Including data from international facilities like the Hubble Space Telescope and supercomputing cosmological simulations, as well as Nottingham’s own telescopes.

• Year-group specific laboratories: Ensuring you get tailored, progressive practical training as you advance through the program.

• Group workshops, seminars, and master classes: Focused on collaborative problem-solving, mathematical skills, and exposure to the latest research topics in physics and astronomy.

• Direct interaction with active researchers: In both physics and astronomy, giving you insight into cutting-edge topics and the chance to contribute to real research.

• Technical staff support in labs: Helping you get the most out of your experiments and develop your practical skills.

• Access to computer suites and collaborative spaces: For data analysis, simulation, astronomical modeling, and peer learning in the student common room.

• A flexible curriculum: Featuring specialist modules in cosmology, the structure of stars and galaxies, and extreme astrophysics—each backed by practical work and tutorials.

Graduates of the University of Nottingham’s BSc (Hons) Physics with Astronomy are highly employable, moving into roles such as research scientist, data analyst, scientific programmer, space industry specialist, and science educator. Many alumni also pursue further study in astrophysics, physics, engineering, or related fields at the postgraduate level, or work in sectors including space, energy, finance, technology, and education.

Here’s how Nottingham specifically supports your future:

• Career Services & Experiential Learning: The program is designed to provide a strong foundation in core physics, with specialist astronomy modules such as Cosmology and Extreme Astrophysics. You will have the opportunity to conduct astronomical research using the university’s rooftop facilities and telescopes, and project work may involve analysing data from international facilities like the Hubble Space Telescope or supercomputing cosmological simulations. The department encourages involvement in outreach, public engagement, and the active PhysSoc student society, helping you develop communication, teamwork, and organisational skills. A mentoring scheme connects new students with experienced peers for support and networking.

• Employment Stats & Salary: While specific salary data for this course is not published, physics graduates from Nottingham are in demand across a wide range of industries for their advanced analytical and problem-solving skills. The UK physics sector accounts for 10% of total UK employment, and physics graduates are highly valued in sectors such as research, technology, finance, and education.

• Industry Partnerships & Research: The School of Physics and Astronomy is internationally recognised for its research, with expertise ranging from quantum mechanics to the largest structures in the Universe. Students benefit from learning alongside researchers involved in major discoveries, including Nobel Prize-winning work in MRI technology. Project work may involve data from leading international facilities, and students have access to the school’s research groups, outreach programmes, and opportunities to participate in public science communication (e.g., through the Sixty Symbols YouTube channel).

• Accreditation: The BSc Physics with Astronomy is accredited by the Institute of Physics (IOP), ensuring the degree meets professional standards and is recognised for further professional qualifications.

• Graduate Outcomes: Students graduate with advanced scientific, mathematical, computational, and research skills, as well as experience in independent and group project work. The curriculum is designed to prepare you for both immediate employment and further academic or professional training in physics, astronomy, and related fields.

Further Academic Progression: After your BSc (Hons) Physics with Astronomy at Nottingham, you can pursue a master’s in physics, astronomy, or related subjects, or enter professional roles in research, industry, education, or public engagement, supported by the program’s rigorous training and extensive research and industry links.